Chu Dinh Nghiem’s side raced to an early lead thanks to skipper Nguyen Van Quyet’s opening goal before Rimario hit the net twice, once in either half of the match, to secure the full three points for the host team.
The resounding win lifted Hanoi FC to fourth in the provisional V.League table with six points, behind Ho Chi Minh City, Viettel FC and Song Lam Nghe An, who are level on seven points.
The centre-stage clash of Matchday 3 eventually turned out to be a lopsided game, as Hanoi FC took absolute control, creating more opportunities owing to an efficient attacking lineup that featured Quang Hai, Van Quyet, Pape Omar and Rimario.
The hosts threatened to open the scoring after just 13 minutes, with Van Quyet connecting with a cross from Hung Dung, but shooting just over the crossbar.
(Photo: NDO/Tran Hai)
Home fans only needed to wait 11 more minutes to celebrate the opener, as Van Quyet sped through to take a cross from Pape Omar before dribbling the ball past keeper Buu Ngoc, slotting it into the empty net for his 82nd V.League goal.
Rimario secured a two-goal first-half advantage for Hanoi FC by beating the HAGL goalie in a one-on-one a few minutes later.
After the break, Chu Dinh Nghiem’s troops continued to attack strongly and constantly threatened the opposing side.
In the 59th minute, Rimario skillfully received a long-range pass, leaving two HAGL defenders behind and bursting through to directly face keeper Buu Ngoc, who again failed to prevent the Jamaican striker from completing his double with a sleek, low finish.
(Photo: NDO/Tran Hai)
With time running out, Hanoi FC enjoyed some more chances to extend their lead, but Rimario unexpectedly shot narrowly wide (63’), while the HAGL goalie successfully parried a powerful strike by Ngan Van Dai (80’).
In other matches on the same day, V.League newbies Hong Linh Ha Tinh produced the biggest shock of Matchday 3 by ousting last season’s third-place team Quang Ninh Coal 2-0 away.
Song Lam Nghe An and Quang Nam FC recorded respective 1-0 and 2-1 home victories against SHB Da Nang and Thanh Hoa FC.
